Page 24 - 1913 May - To Dragma

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 181

by rules and rushing. T h e sooner we dispense with both and begin

to realize that the f r a t e r n i t y which is restrained f r o m an absurd

attitude or a dishonorable act by a rule and the g i r l who is obtained

only by an excessive rush, are equally worthless—the sooner that we

arrive at this point, the more immediate w i l l be the absence o f op-

position to fraternities. DOROTHY NOBLE SAFFORD.

PAN-HELLENISM AT NEWCOMB

Pan-Hellenism at Newcomb is by no means dormant. Perhaps
the society does not reach out and regulate as widely as such an
organization might, but we feel that it has done and is doing a great
deal towards the whole fraternity life of our college.

I n the past, Pan-Hellenic has concerned itself mainly with the
making of rushing rules and enforcing penalities f o r breakage of
these rules. T h e object o f the association, as set down i n the consti-
tution is to regulate pledging, rushing, a l l matters of local Pan-
Hellenic interest and "to take an active interest in a l l college activi-
ties f o r the common good." Our rules f o r rushing are very simple.
One regulation provides "that no entertainment be permitted except
under the supervision of the Committee on Entertainments" which
is chosen f r o m the faculty. This rule guards against too frequent
"rushing parties" at times when the f a c u l t y does not see fit.

Pan-Hellenic also encourages an interest in other college activities.
Indeed, there is a very broad spirit of democracy existing at N e w -
comb between the f r a t e r n i t y and non-fraternity girls. There is no
sharp d i v i d i n g line between the t w o classes, as, we have heard, is
true i n some colleges. T h e fraternity and non-fraternity girls are
equally active and work shoulder to shoulder in a l l the college
organizations.

To further this interest in the general college welfare and to
broaden the scope o f fraternities in the public eye, Pan-Hellenic has
instituted this year, a course o f lectures. As the plan was adopted
rather late i n the season, we have had only two lectures i n 1912-1913,
but the purpose hereafter is to have f o u r . T h e first lecture was given
by one o f Newcomb's art professors on "Greek A r t " and the second
was on "Shakespeare and Stratford-on-Avon." Both were very well
attended and we feel greatly encouraged at the feeble beginning. We
made it a point to send special invitations to each member of the
faculty, each large organization in college and to advertise them as
widely as possible i n the city newspapers. Pan-Hellenic hopes that
this plan may do something towards making the uninterested public
realize that fraternities are not purely social organizations, but have
a serious end i n view.